Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Frederick S. Neilon

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

St. Paul's Cemetery

Born:June 22, 1846 at Boston, MA

Entered
Service in the US Army from Watertown, MA

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Indian Campaigns For
heroism September 09 - 11, 1874 at Upper Washita,
TX

Died:September
13, 1916 at the age of 70

On the morning
of September 9, 1874, a supply train with a small cavalry
escort, began the long trek from their encampment to General
Nelson Miles expedition force camped at Battle Creek, which
force had been in the field and was in desperate need of
re-supply. The supply train was attacked by a large Indian war
party as it emerged from a canyon on the Upper Washita River.
Though vastly outnumbered, the cavalry fought fiercely as the
train continued onward in what became a daylong fight during
which six soldiers earned the Medal of Honor. Sergeant Frederick
Neilon was one of seven additional soldiers cited for
"Gallantry in action" on the first day, and the two
following days. On the second day, though reinforced by a
battalion from the Eighth Cavalry, the "Lymon Train"
was subjected to continuous fire and two major attacks by waves
of Indians numbering more than 400. During the day temperatures
rose above 100 degrees and water began running out. Efforts to
reach a watering hole met with immediate fire from Indian forces
barricaded there. Firing continued on September 11, when water
finally ran out. Still surrounded, the Lyman Train held out for
three more days when relief arrived on September 14.